01
.Introduction

Electric and battery lawnmowers are fume-free, start at the press of a button, are comparatively quiet, tend to vibrate less than petrol mowers, and some of the models tested are very compact and lightweight — and they’re pretty good at cutting grass too.

You could easily mow the old suburban quarter-acre block with one of these machines, but if your garden’s any bigger, you’ll probably find an electric lawnmower a nuisance to drag around the cord, and a battery-powered mower only runs as long as the battery lasts.

Of the models tested, eight use a power cord, and eight run on a rechargeable battery.

Findings:

Electric and battery lawnmowers are very convenient for smaller yards: you don’t need to store petrol and they cut grass well. Cordless battery-operated models are even easier to use than mains-powered ones, but generally more expensive.

Do you need a lawn anyway? You’ll save lots of water without one. But if you do want your own green belt, we have some water-saving tips for you.